Audi R8 e-tron revs up for starring role in ‘Iron Man 3’

The Audi R8 e-tron will likely be showing off a few tricks of its own when it teams up with the billionaire engineer Tony Stark for its starring role in “Iron Man 3.”

The EV supercar, dubbed by Audi as “the future of electric mobility,” has already pulled off a few amazing stunts including setting a world record on the Nürburgring Nordschleife – the toughest test track in the world.

Both of the car’s electric motors generate an output of 280 kW (375 hp) and 820 Nm of torque; more than 4,900 Nm (3,614.05 lb-ft) are distributed to the rear wheels nearly from a standing start.

The car, made primarily of aluminum, will accelerate from zero to 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 4.6 seconds with a top governed speed limit of 200 km/h (124.27 mph). A top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) was approved for the record-setting lap on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, which is likely more in line with what we can expect when the playboy Starks takes the wheel.

The R8 e-tron’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery stores 49 KWh of energy – enough for a distance of about 215 kilometers (133.59 miles). It partially recharges using energy recovery during coasting and braking.

The R8 e-tron’s role in the Disney and Marvel Studios film, starring Robert Downey Jr., which is scheduled for release May 3, 2013, will be part of an overall presence that Audi will have in the film. The Audi R8, R8 Spyder, A8, S5, and Q7 were all featured in the first and second installments.

“Audi is excited to once again showcase the brand’s cutting edge technology and sleek design with the Audi R8 e-tron in Marvel’s Iron Man 3,” said Loren Angelo, General Manager of Brand Marketing for Audi of America, in a press release statement. “Similar to the position of the R8 as an innovation leader, Iron Man’s character consistently evolves throughout the trilogy as he masterminds new trends in technology and engineering.”

I agree, Mr. Angelo, and it should be exciting to watch how this mission plays out.